The Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office (GSSP) and the Center for Women and Business (CWB) are excited to announce that the third annual Rainbow Week at Bentley takes place this year starting on April 14, 2025 through April 17, 2025. This week will offer the community the opportunity to attend and engage with LGBTQ+ focused dialogue, celebrations and education. Since its introduction last academic year, the week has expanded to incorporate a variety of events – see below for the list of events, descriptions and registration links!
This week is proudly co-sponsored by the Rainbow Scholars Program, PRIDE, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Pulsifer Career Development Center, and the Global Studies Department.
LGBTQ+ and the Law Panel
Date/Time: Monday, April 14 from 2-3:30PM
Location: Zoom
Access Zoom Registration Link HERE
Recent executive orders and changes to interpretation of national policy have left numerous questions about the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ peoples in the United States. Join the LGBTQ+ Steering Committee, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Law and Taxation Department for a panel with experts in national, state and higher ed law as they answer questions about legal rights, protections and changes for the LGBTQ+ community.
Questions about this panel can be directed to Matt Banks, Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion, at [email protected].
Rainbow Scholars Conference
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 15 from 1-4PM (Opening Reception at 12:45PM)
Location: LaCava 325ABC and Zoom (Meeting ID: 951 9923 8172)
Access Event Registration Link HERE
The Rainbow Scholars Leadership Development Program proudly announces the third annual Rainbow Conference. Hosted at Bentley University and sponsored by the Gender and Sexuality Student Programs Office (GSSP) and the Center for Women and Business (CWB), this event serves as the culminating element of the Rainbow Scholars Program, an award-winning yearlong intersectional leadership development program for LGBTQ+ and allied students.
Join us as our Rainbow Scholars delve into a myriad of subjects, shedding light on topics related to LGBTQ+ mentorship and relationship building, the economics of inclusivity, and LGBTQ+ wellbeing & attitudes at PWI’s. All are welcome to participate in this enriching experience, where you will engage in interactive activities crafted to stimulate thought, encourage reflection, facilitate learning, and inspire action.
Questions about this conference can be directed to Nana Adu, Assistant Director for Gender and Sexuality Student Programs, at [email protected] and Dominique Wilburn, CWB Director for Programs and Communications, at [email protected].
Ally 101 Workshop
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16 from 10AM-12PM
Faculty and Staff Register via Workday Learning HERE
The Ally 101 Workshop is designed to introduce participants to language and best allyship practices for and in the LGBTQ+ community. This 2-hour long training takes participants through self-reflection activities and action planning in order to foster a more welcoming and inclusive campus community.
Questions about this workshop can be directed to Matt Banks, Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion, at [email protected].
Rainbow Graduation
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16 from 2-4PM
Location: LaCava 325ABC
Graduating Seniors Register HERE
The GSSP Office welcomes the Bentley community to the continued celebration of our graduating LGBTQ+ seniors. This annual ceremony will include a presentation of cords/stoles, speeches, food and celebration. Interested seniors should use the form above to request cords/stoles – as a note, walking Rainbow Graduation is not required to retrieve requested materials!
Questions about this ceremony can be directed to Nana Adu, Assistant Director for Gender and Sexuality Student Programs, at [email protected].
Rainbow Week Block Party
Date/Time: Thursday, April 17 from 1-3PM
Location: Harry’s Pub (STU 255)
Access RSVP form HERE
The Gender and Sexuality Student Programs (GSSP) Office is excited to host the Rainbow Block Party taking place as part of the third annual Rainbow Week 2025. This event will take place in Harry’s (located in STU 255, second floor). Join us at our Rainbow Week Block Party as we celebrate the week with student DJ JOJO, food and desserts from Ritcey East and Cupcake Therapy, photobooths, and more. Community members are encouraged to bring family and friends to this party!
Interested attendees should RSVP via this and indicate any dietary restrictions/accessibility needs via the event registration form.
Questions about this block party can be directed to Nana Adu, Assistant Director for Gender and Sexuality Student Programs, at [email protected].
